Siojo Salon will not be the first high-end salon in Old City, but its efforts to minimize its carbon footprint could separate it from the competition. The converted art gallery space at 244 Race St. has gone through some serious remodeling to prepare for a grand opening on July 1st. Owner Rashada Siojo has made changes to the space to create a luxurious atmosphere in the 1800 sqft. space, adding an extension for a pedicure room and unique touches like a tiled staircase. The first floor is dedicated to hair and nail care, and the bottom floor features two full-service treatment rooms for massage and facials. An outdoor garden waiting room for guests is currently under construction and should be ready in the near future. Spa manager Martha Planita already has plans to submit the space to the Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s garden contest.

The concept that “beauty comes from nature” is echoed in many of the salon’s features. Every aspect of salon-care is infused with spa services. Hair is treated while it’s colored, scalp is serviced during a haircut, products are all-natural or organic, and efforts have been made to keep the salon, “as green as possible.” Siojo Salon has installed a reverse osmosis water filtration system to purify toxins and impurities in the water, making products more efficient and reducing waste. Instead of the traditional pedicure tubs, Siojo uses state-of-the-art pedicure “showers” keep waste water minimal. Pedicure rubs are made in-house with fresh herbs, using a mortar and pestle. Siojo and Planita are currently working with laboratories to create their own natural skin care line.
Luxury salons/spas are clearly popular in Old City, with Lakshmi, Hush, Strands, MOKO and Chroma servicing considerable client bases. Siojo plans to particpate in First Fridays like the others, and will be open seven days a week. Hopefully, their green initiatives and spa-infused services will ignite a little healthy competition. When asked about the other salons in the neighborhood, Planita expressed pleasantly that, “our doors are open to our colleagues.” — Suzy Grimberg